Resource Center for Ministry

Offers a Pastoral Leadership Seminar

Samaritan's Pastoral Leadership Seminar is an opportunity for clergy to come together with a facilitator who is experienced with the challenges that leading a congregation present for the pastoral staff. Meeting once a month for two and one-half hours, the seminar offers pastors from different denominations a unique opportunity for learning and support in a safe, small group setting where confidentiality is maintained.

 

"The purpose, the mission, the objectives of the minister is the person. The rest of it...is strictly the side show."
-Peter F. Drucker

The purpose of the Pastoral Leadership Seminar is both to help pastors gain an understanding of a “systems” perspective of their leadership and to facilitate meaningful conversation about their work in ways that will contribute new insight and support for their ministry.

We use Ron Richardson’s book, “Creating a Healthier Church”, as a primary resource in understanding basic systems concepts and applying it to our ministries. Our conversations are given focus through “case” presentations by the seminar members. Pastors focus on their functioning as a leader in a congregational situation and receive peer consultation.

Facing the Challenges

Clergy of all faith groups face increasing pressures related to their work. These challenges can drain one's energy, dampen vocational zeal, and give rise to loneliness and isolation. They can also be a stimulus to growth for those who seek renewal in a learning environment

The Pastoral Leadership Seminar provides an opportunity for consultation in carrying out tasks and functioning effectively in situations that are stressful.

 

 

About the Seminar:

Contact Dr. Mark Houglum @ 206-527-2266 or e-mail mhoughlum@samaritanps.org for more information about the seminar.

Download registration form »

 

Seminar Leader:

Mark D. Houglum, M.Div., Ph.D., is a pastoral counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist on the staff at Samaritan. Previously, Mark served for nineteen years as a pastor to congregations in Washington and Alaska. He consults with pastors regarding ministry issues and works with congregations experiencing conflict.

Participant Comments:

"Opening meditations were super! Book discussion focused our thinking. Case studies kept us grounded, honest and real."

"I am liking case studies better as a result of this experience. They were probably the highlight of the time together."

"I really enjoyed the book and our discussion of the text. I'll use this again."

"The book is a gem."

"I found the book helpful and thought provoking."

"I felt safe with the leaders."

"You brought grace, patience, focus and directness to our time and interactions: great skill and great character."

 

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